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- Things to do and see in Formentera, the neighbouring island of Ibiza
22 May
2024
Things to do and see in Formentera, the neighbouring island of Ibiza
Knowing what to do on Formentera will be very useful if you want get the most out of your visit to this paradisaic island, whether during a day trip or a longer getaway to add to your holiday in Ibiza. Take a good note of where to go and what to see, and put your Instagram away for a while, because the smallest of the Pityusic Islands will capture all your attention and the desire to relax. Airplane mode ON…
Hopping from Ibiza to Formentera is very easy, as their closest ports (Ibiza and La Savina) are only 12 nautical miles apart. In less than an hour you can put all your plans for your day trip to Formentera into action, such as visiting the charming town of Sant Francesc Xavier and its boutique shops, the iconic lighthouse that appeared in the film Sex and Lucia, La Mola market and, of course, the famous turquoise waters of Ses Illetes beach, the most famous in Formentera and one of the most photographed beaches in the world. These are just a few of the places to see in Formentera, a small island paradise that people always want to return to, again and again.
What’s Formentera like?
Formentera is the smallest inhabited island of the Balearic Islands, with a total area of 83 km2. That is why discovering the main tourist attractions of Formentera in less than 12 hours is quite easy, because its small size makes it a destination that is easy to explore, even when getting around by bicycle. In fact, the longest road is shorter than 20 kilometres and most of the island has moderate or very gentle hills, except for La Mola mountain range, located on the south-eastern tip of Formentera. All this makes it easy to enjoy its spectacular coastal and rural landscape. Its almost untouched beauty makes it especially inviting, both in its beaches and coves, with dunes and juniper woodlands, and in its fields of crops, where carob trees, vineyards and its famous fig trees grow, resting on wooden poles.
How to get to Formentera
The Ports of Eivissa and La Savina are connected all year round via the regular ferry service offered by Balearia, Trasmapi and Mediterránea Pitiusa. During the summer months, these sailing companies increase the frequency of departures and the tourist companies that offer boat trips from Sant Antoni de Portmany, Santa Eulària, Figueretes and d’en Bossa Beach, like Aquabus Ibiza, Cruceros Portmany and Santa Eulalia Ferry, also have their own service.
For a few years the access of vehicles to the island has been limited during the summer months (June-September) to promote sustainable tourism. That is why in order to take your vehicle on the ferries that link Ibiza with Formentera, an authorisation is required that must be booked in advance on the Formentera.eco website. It is not allowed to board ferries to Formentera with your rental car or motorbike, so you will have to hire a car from the rental companies with offices on Formentera.
How to get around Formentera
In the port of La Savina you will find rental companies for motorcycles, cars and electric bicycles, as well as three tourist bus lines and two regular lines that connect the port with Es Pujols (L1) and the Pilar de la Mola (2). If you like cycling, it’s good to know that Formentera has a wide network of trails with 32 multi-purpose routes also suitable for walking, and a very gentle incline, except for the climb that leads to the La Mola mountain range.
What to see on a day trip to Formentera
If it is your first visit to the island, you cannot miss the following essential places:
Ses Illetes
Yes, this is the beach that Google shows when you look for the most famous beach in Formentera. You can spend the whole day there and leave the other sights for another trip (nobody would blame you) or arrive after lunch and enjoy this long, wild sandy area with turquoise waters for the whole afternoon.
Sant Francesc Xavier
The cute capital of the island is small, but its restaurants and boutiques will definitely provide more distraction than you expected. Do not miss the Sant Francesc Church, one of the best examples of church fortress of the Pityusic islands.
Cap Barbaria Lighthouse
This photogenic lighthouse shot to fame thanks to the film Sex and Lucía and has become one of the icons of Formentera. In summer, access is restricted to cars and motorbikes, so you have to walk about one mile from the carpark provided.
La Mola Lighthouse
The other emblematic lighthouse of the island is located at the façade of La Mola, a fabulous place to have a beer, relax and enjoy the views. The La Mola Market is held on Wednesdays and Sundays, where only original items made by certified artisans are sold.
The prettiest beaches of Formentera
On the 43 miles of this small island’s coastline there are beaches and coves for all tastes. Which one will become your favourite beach?
Ses Illetes Beach
The most famous beach in Formentera usually occupies the top spots in the lists of the most beautiful beaches in the world thanks to the clear turquoise colour of its waters, which make it look like a spectacular natural pool. It stretches for 450m along the western side of the peninsula of Es Trucadors; if you’re looking for peace and quiet, walk a little longer and head towards the end, and you’ll have the sea to your left and right.
Platja de Llevant
The eastern side of the des Trucadors peninsula is not as famous as Ses Illetes, and so is usually much quieter. The ideal option for when the wind is blowing from the west.
Cavall d’en Borràs
This natural beach is just two kilometres from the port of La Savina, making it perfect for a day trip to Formentera without renting a car. Also, you can continue walking along the shore until you reach the beach of Ses Illetes.
Cala Saona
This is one of the prettiest coves in Formentera due to its red cliffs and the beach huts located underneath. Perfect for watching the sunset.
Other coves and beaches for when you return to Formentera
There are many more coves where you can lay out your towel and forget about the world. If you return to the island and do not want to visit the same places or would rather visit the less busy parts of Formentera, you will surely like these shores.
Migjorn Beach
At almost 11,500 feet long, this Formentera beach is the other great shore of the island along with Illetes. Its entire length comprises long sandy and other rocky sections, dunes and pine forests, nudist areas, refreshment stalls, beach clubs…
Caló des Mort
While it is no longer a secret, this small pretty cove with beach huts is still quiet if you visit at the beginning or end of the summer.
Calitas de Es Caló de Sant Agustí
This group of small coves separated by rocky sections is ideal if you are looking for peace and quiet and crystal clear waters.
Es Pujols
At almost 2,300 feet long, it also has shallow turquoise waters and a certain sea charm. It is located in the main tourist centre of Formentera.
Where to eat in Formentera
Eating in beach restaurants in Formentera and sampling the traditional specialities is another of the activities you cannot miss on a day trip to the island. Some of the best restaurants and refreshment stalls where you can eat by the sea are:
Can Rafalet
This is one of the essential spots for Ibizans and locals. Its paellas and fish dishes will not disappoint.
Carrer de Sant Agustí, 1. Es Calo de Sant Agustí
+34 971 32 70 77
canrafalet.es
Google Maps
Es Caló
Located on the shore, it is known as one of the best restaurants in Formentera. The rice dishes, salt prawns and lobster stew are outstanding. It also has amazing sea views.
Vicari Joan Marí, 14. Es Calo de Sant Agustíg
+34 971 32 73 11
restauranteescalo.com
Google Maps
Vogamarí
This traditional restaurant located on de Migjorn Beach is another favourite spot of the island’s inhabitants. The fried lobster with eggs and potatoes is one of its specialities, as is its brothy rice with lobster.
Carretera de la Mola, Km. 9.5, Platja de Migjorn
+34672069809
vogamari.es
Google Maps
Beso Beach
This is one of Formentera’s most fashionable restaurants and an interesting option if you want to eat in Illetes, since it is located in the neighbouring d’en Borrás Beach. You will find beautiful people, a young casual atmosphere, and Mediterranean and Basque food.
Playa d’en Borrás s/n
+34 971 34 99 00
besobeach.com
Google Maps
Sol y Luna
One of the oldest beach bars on Formentera, located at the western end of des Migjorn beach. You’ll love it if you’re looking for a relaxed atmosphere, a family-run business and traditional home-made cuisine.
Platja des Migjorn (cerca de Ca Marí)
Tel.: +34 629 040 265
Google Maps
Pinatar restaurant
Located in the tourist hub of Es Pujols, it’s an excellent option for lunch or dinner. You can choose between an extensive menu of seafood, meat and vegetable tapas or its menu of Mediterranean dishes, with lobster being one of its specialities.
Av. Miramar, 25, Es Pujols
Tel.: +34 971 328 137
restaurantpinatar.com
Google Maps
Places to dine on Formentera
If you decide that a day trip to Formentera is too short and want to visit the island for longer than 24 hours, then the following addresses of where to book a table for dinner after a long day at the beach will be useful.
El Mirador
Although it is open all day, you might prefer to book for dinner, so that you can enjoy its stunning views of the sunset and the island of Formentera. The staff are friendly and the menu is based around traditional Mediterranean cuisine.
Carretera de La Mola, PM-820, km 14
Te.: +34 971 327 037
elmiradorformentera.com
Google Maps
Fonda Pepe
Located in the village of Sant Ferran, this is one of the most historic restaurants on Formentera. Here at this simple establishment, with a family atmosphere, you’ll find fresh, delicious grilled fish, as well as traditional home-made cuisine.
Carrer Major, 55, Sant Ferrán de Ses Roques
Tel.: +34 971 328 033
Google Maps
Sol Post
Fine dining is the star of this romantic restaurant located in Cala Saona. With two tasting menus to choose from, one with 19 courses and the other with 22, you’re sure to be amazed by their exquisite preparation that merges Mediterranean and Latin cuisines.
Carretera a Cala Saona, 6
Tel.: +34 971 323 632
restaurantsolpost.com
Google Maps
Macondo Restaurant
This is one of the most popular Italian restaurants on Formentera, established for over two decades on the island. Its loyal customers return for their pizzas, although you can also find other traditional, lovingly prepared Italian dishes.
Carrer Major, 67, Sant Ferrán de Ses Roques
Tel.: +34 638 317 033
macondoformentera.com
Google Maps
Can Forn
This is another of the best-known restaurants in the town of Sant Ferran, a good option when you want to have traditional homemade cuisine from Formentera for dinner. A friendly atmosphere, local clientèle, good value for money and attentive staff.
c/ Carrer Major, 39.
Tel.: +34 971 32 81 55
Google Maps
Mama Carmen
Here you can sate your appetite from morning to night. The great atmosphere and Mediterranean style define this restaurant located in Sant Francesc Xavier, where hamburgers, tacos, tartars, grilled meats and vegetable dishes await for you to share with friends.
Carrer de Santa María, 14, Sant Francesc Xavier
Tel.: +34 682 883 580
mamacarmenformentera.com
Google Maps
Tips for your day trip to Formentera
– Arrive at Formentera in one of the first ferries in the morning to make the most of the day.
– If you’re travelling on a regular ferry line, you can return at night and enjoy the sunset from some of the best-known beach bars: Kiss Beach, Blue Bar, Piratabus or Shark. With tourism companies the frequency of services is limited.
– The restaurants at Illetes Beach stand out for their high prices. To avoid nasty surprises, we recommend you always find out the price of the specials or the catch of the day.
– Book a table at the beach restaurants in Formentera in advance, especially if you are visiting the island in July or August.
– Enjoy the sunset from the promenade of the port of La Savina: You will find numerous stone seats from where you can watch the sunset and admire the Ibizan coast.
– Don’t leave Formentera without trying the ice cream from La Mukkeria, in Sant Francesc, or Geckolateria (in La Savina): The dark chocolate one is addictive!
– If you like shopping, save time to browse among the many boutiques along the pedestrian streets of Sant Francesc Xavier. And if you visit Formentera on a Wednesday or Sunday, stop by La Mola market (from May to October, from 4.00 pm to 10.00 pm, in Pilar de la Mola).
– If you want to stay a few days in Formentera, book your accommodation in advance as there aren’t many hotels on the island. Once you’re here, it’s too late to improvise.
– If you need more information on the island, visit the official Tourism Formentera website
37 Things to see and do in Ibiza
Get away to Formentera from Amàre Beach Hotel Ibiza
Our hotel in Ibiza recommended for adults is a few minutes by car from the Port of Sant Antoni de Potmany, from where the boat trips organised by the tourist company Cruceros Portmany depart to Formentera. If you would rather have more freedom, our staff can provide you with more information on departures from the Port of Ibiza, which is 20 minutes by car from Amàre Beach Hotel Ibiza. And to finish off a perfect day, when you return from the neighbouring paradise, the gastronomic delights of Hayaca await you; an exquisite journey to the flavours of Brazil, Peru, Mexico, Argentina, Cuba… #whatahappyday
María